Salon has published an article that explains a lot about how Glenn Beck came to his repulsive ideology of hatred, conspiracy, and rage. It focuses on the author of a book that Beck has described as having changed his life. “The 5,000 Year Leap” has become an integral part of Beck’s sermonizing. He has literally adopted it as a sacred text, even pleading with his disciples to read it:
“I beg you to read this book filled with words of wisdom which I can only describe as divinely inspired.”
Alexander Zaitchik’s article in Salon tells us something about the author, W. Cleon Skousen. And while it may not be the word of God, it is a revelation. Skousen was a man who was so far out on the fringe that the most committed right-wingers of his day would have nothing to do with him, a status Beck is beginning to share. Also like Beck, Skousen was a Mormon who was rabidly anti-communist and imagined conspiracies that mirror the delusions articulated today by Beck – including the ludicrous allegations that the Rockefellers were part of a vast communist plot.
Zaitchik’s article is long and filled with surprising details that close the circle on what makes Beck tick. A highly recommended read.
Glenn Beck is the first person I have ever heard of who voluntarily converted to Mormonism.
What’s worse, he admitted in a TV interview that the only reason he did so was because his girlfriend (now wife) wouldn’t have sex with him unless he did.
Maybe he was tired of the poodle.
I think the poodle got tired of him